Star-crossed lovers and warring gangs: CVP presents classic 'West Side Story'
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William Shakespeare knew how to tick all the boxes when it came to spinning an enduring tale. How could you possibly go wrong with young, pure love, warring families and a tragic ending?
You can’t, which is the reason that “West Side Story,” the musical version of “Romeo and Juliet,” keeps thrilling audiences who weren’t even gleams in their grandparents’ eyes when the show opened in 1957.
With a new film version out and Cocoa Village Playhouse’s live production of the show opening Friday, Jan. 28, “West Side Story” proves you can’t keep a good drama down.
“'West Side Story' has a special meaning to me as a Puerto Rican growing up in New York City,” said Danie Ciuro, financial advisor with Edward Jones and prime event sponsor of the production.
“Learning the importance of standing up for yourself while being open-minded and tolerant of those around you has been a core tenet in my life.”
During the tenure of Dr. Anastacia Hawkins-Smith, the Playhouse’s chief executive officer and artistic director, “West Side Story” has been produced by Cocoa Village Playhouse on four different occasions. There is a reason.
“I tell the young people at our theatre that 'West Side Story' is more than a show,” said Hawkins-Smith.
“It is an important piece of art and history that changes the lives of those who perform in it and the patrons who see it.”
The musical, with a pedigree that includes music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is widely considered among the top ten Broadway shows of all time. It earned two Tony Awards on Broadway and 10 Oscars for the film version.
The story of the tragic love between Tony and Maria, and of the animosity between rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks, is known to just about anyone who hasn’t been residing under a rock for an extended period of time.
The Playhouse’s production is safeguarding against the effects of errant viruses by doubling all principal roles, with Brady Fritz and Elijah Hillman playing Tony and Susannah Knepper-Quijano and Macy Urso playing Maria. Reprising her role as spitfire Anita is Nicole Ramos-Torres, who shares the role with Gabrielle Santiago. Fun fact: Santiago’s new hubby, Angel, plays Bernardo.
“He’s the real-life Bernardo to my Anita,” said Gabrielle.
The cast also includes Cooper LaMontagne as Riff, Shane Withrow as Action, Rob Landers as Lieutenant Shrank, Gene Hayes as Officer Krupke, Larry Jones and James Spiva as Doc, plus a score of actors playing Jets, Sharks and their ladies.
A 21-piece orchestra conducted by J. Thomas Black Jr. helps bring the iconic musical’s dance numbers, choreographed by Kristin Ciuro, to life. The work of scenic designer Daniel Allen, lighting designer Ian Cook and costume designer Daniel Hill expertly echo the world of Manhattan’s Upper West Side in the 50s.
If you go
'West Side Story'
Where: Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 13. An additional 7:30 p.m. performance is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3.
Tickets: $18 to $32
Info: 321-636-5050
On the web: cocoavillageplayhouse.com
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'West Side Story' takes the stage at Cocoa Village Playhouse
